Camping options near Casselton, North Dakota span across open prairie landscapes at an elevation of around 900 feet. The region experiences temperature extremes with summer highs frequently reaching the 90s and winter lows dipping below zero. Most campgrounds operate during a relatively short season from May through October, with peak visitation occurring during summer weekends.
What to do
Hiking trails at Buffalo River State Park: Visitors can explore several looping trails that combine prairie and riverside experiences. "Nice clean campground and hiking trails are taken care of. The sunsets are beautiful," notes a reviewer of the Jorgen's Hollow Campground. Trails connect directly to the North Country Trail system.
Vineyard visits: Camp near local wineries for a different prairie experience. One camper at Red Trail Vineyard RV Park mentioned, "This looks like a new site, made in a flat field near the vineyard... The grapes growing next to us was a nice view to wake up to."
Community events: During summer months, the area hosts various agricultural fairs and community gatherings. "Big event, we're lucky to find his space open. Campground completely full, thousands of pickups and cars. Level sites with cement pad. Some pull through most back in. Amazingly, very quiet at night," reported a camper who stayed at Red River Valley Fairgrounds during a show.
What campers like
Quiet prairie camping: Many campers value the solitude of the grasslands area. "Not sure what it's like on weekends, but arrived on a Tuesday in August; I was the second camper to arrive. First come, first serve. Very minimalist and lovely," notes a visitor to Sheyenne National Grassland.
Convenient small-town setting: Buffalo RV Park offers easy access to local amenities. "Spacious, easy access, level sites with convenient hookups and garbage can at each site. Open landscape, but good space between sites," explains a camper. Another added, "Overall quiet, safe location in historic town."
Water recreation: Lakes and rivers provide fishing opportunities within short drives of Casselton. One camper noted about Brewer Lake Rec Area, "This is a well maintained well cared for well laid out county campground... Tiny Lake for fishing and a beach for swimming."
What you should know
Weather considerations: The open prairie landscape means exposure to elements. "Don't forget bug repellent. In as many forms as you can wear," advises a camper at Red Trail Vineyard RV Park. Wind and mosquitoes are common companions throughout summer months.
Reservation systems vary: Each campground has different booking procedures. At Buffalo RV Park, "Use city registration site to reserve site, no sign in at front area needed," explains one visitor. Price points range from $10 for primitive sites to $35 for full-hookup RV sites.
Limited natural features: The landscape is predominantly flat prairie with scattered trees. A camper at Brewer Lake Rec Area observed, "And good for North Dakota there's a large tree claim that helps keep the wind off of you... I wish it had more hiking."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer recreational facilities for children. One reviewer of Lindenwood Campground noted, "2 great playgrounds nearby for the kiddos. We were on site B9 and it was spacious."
Educational opportunities: Arthur Park features an educational community orchard. "This would be a nice place for a scout troup or youth group to have an overnight... pretty unique educational community orchard that features a whole variety of different grapes, berries, apples, and more," explains a visitor.
Noise considerations: Interstate proximity affects sleep quality at some locations. A Lindenwood Campground visitor warned, "All we heard were cars and trucks all night long. Hardly slept. But it is a nice park to visit during the day."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RVers recommend carefully choosing locations based on specific needs. At Lindenwood Campground, a visitor advised, "Would recommend staying in the B lot, spots are spaced apart more, facing the river, and are further away from the Interstate."
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited in the immediate Casselton area. "Nice clean city park with RV sites in back, 8 sites, wide sites with fire rings. Well maintained. No bath house but full hookup and trashcan available," notes a Buffalo RV Park visitor.
Overnight vs. destination camping: Some locations better serve as stopover points rather than extended stays. One RVer shared about Governor's Inn and Conference Center, "Only stayed as a stop through but was expensive for what we used," while another noted, "The sites are on top of each other. No space between sites. Did have full hookups."
